Intel to cut 294 jobs at Irish plant in Leixlip

Intel has announced it is cut 294 jobs at its plant in Leixlip, County Kildare.

The computer chip manufacturer said a decrease in demand for its products has forced it to take this action.

“The affected employees will be given the same severance package that was on offer in the voluntary program earlier this year. At this difficult time, Intel management will be working closely with all affected employees to provide support and assistance,” said the company in a statement.

The company will consult with staff over the coming weeks to ascertain where the cuts will be made. However, the computer giant has reiterated the importance of its Irish base.

“Intel remains strongly committed to its operations in Ireland. The staff at the Intel Ireland campus continue to excel and the Intel Ireland management team takes proactive steps on an ongoing basis to allow us to offer positive options to Intel Corporation for inward investment opportunities,” continued the statement.

The first quarter of the year has been a punsihing one for the company. Six Intel factories in the Philippines, Malaysia, China and the United States have been closed and over 5,000 jobs have been lost.